1h45 from Vancouver. One of the most spectacular drives on earth. The race is worth the trip — so is the road.
Whistler is 1 hour 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver, and 2 hours 15 minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
If you're flying into YVR, skip the car hire and take the Whistler Connection for a smooth, stress-free ride straight to the village. Once you're in Whistler, most things are just a short walk away.
The drive from Vancouver up to Whistler on Highway 99 — the Sea to Sky Highway — is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world, and an absolute pleasure to experience. The winding road takes you past stunning fjord views of Howe Sound, through sheer rock faces, past lakes, glaciers, and up into the alpine forests of Whistler.
Make sure you stop at one of the many viewpoints along the way. You won't regret it.
Mike Crane | Tourism Whistler
It'd be quicker to answer with what you can't do in Whistler. Renowned as a world-class ski resort, Whistler is gaining serious momentum as a fall destination too — quieter, more chilled, with spectacular autumn colours, mild weather, and a huge range of outdoor adventures minus the peak-season crowds.
Fall time is all time in Whistler.
The longest zipline in Canada and the US with Zip Trek Ecotours. Or take the plunge — bungee jumping 160ft (50 metres) over the glacial-fed Cheakamus River. For the thrill seekers.
Arguably the best bike park on the planet is right here. If the race course doesn't satisfy that singletrack craving, the mountain certainly will.
Ride up to Whistler peak and then hop on the iconic Peak to Peak Gondola across to Blackcomb Mountain. Breathtaking views at every angle.
No malls here — just boutique shops, art galleries, and mountain outfitters built for adventure. Break it up with a coffee at Moguls Coffee House, a local favourite.
All the hiking, biking, and lake activities you could ever dream of. Visit Tourism Whistler for the full array of summer and fall activities on offer.
Saturday night in Whistler offers endless options — cozy pubs, lively bars, Thai, Mexican, or five-star dining. Don't be put off by the magnificence — there's great casual eats and restaurants for every budget.
Our race weekend coincides with the Whistler Beer Festival! The main event on September 19 features 40+ craft beverage producers and over 80 varieties of craft beers, ciders, and seltzers to sample at the iconic Olympic Plaza — with the mountains as your backdrop.
What can I say... a great option if you can practice some self-restraint the night before race day!
There's no better way to recover on Sunday afternoon than a thermal journey at Scandinave Spa. Follow that with a leisurely stroll through Whistler Village, a relaxing dinner, and a well-earned beverage on one of the many inviting patios.
You raced hard. You earned it.
Chad Chomlack | Tourism Whistler
The drive is legendary. The race is unforgettable. All that's left is to get your name on the start list.